Students from local high schools are currently involved in the 73rd annual American  Legion National teaching essay writing High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest  which involves a prepared oration of eight to ten minutes in length about some phase of the Constitution of the United States and a dissertation of three to five minutes on a related subject from the Constitution- al Amendments.     District 18 covers the entire San Gabriel Valley, and the District 18 speakoff will be held Sunday, January 31st, 1:00 p.m., at Pasadena Post 13, 131 North Marengo, Pasadena.  Two students currently are on the agenda, one sponsored by Keith Powell/Claremont Post 78, and another 0rom La Salle High School, sponsored by East Pasadena Post 280.  Students from other local high schools are expected to file for participation, and on February 21st., the winner of this event will represent District 18 at the Area 6 competition sponsored by Valley Post 582 in San Fernando, with the Department of California finals to be held February 28th in Modesto.  Members and citizens alike are urged to attend these events and support the students.

Contestants receive cash awards as they advance through the various levels, with the three winners at the final competition in Indianapolis in April receiving college scholarships of $18,000, $16,000 and $14,000,  awarded by the National organization.